Haitian Recycled Steel Tree of Life

Every purchase of a fair-trade item from Haiti generates an extra donation to help Haitian artisans affected by the earthquake.

At the GreaterGood Network, we have been privileged to work with talented artisans in the nation of Haiti for many years. In the wake of the devastating January 2010 earthquake, we extend our sympathy and hope to our artisan friends and their families. We hope you'll help us do even more to aid their recovery.

Thank you for building hope and helping to heal Haiti.

The ancient tree of life is a Haitian hallmark, a representation of the interconnectedness of all living beings. Made from recycled steel oil drums, this intricate piece brings the soul of Haiti right to your home.

In Haiti, where recycled steel oil drums are a valuable source of metal, the artisans of Croix des Bouquets fashion amazing works of metal art that leave no carbon footprint. 55-gallon drums dumped there have been turned into art supplies by the residents since in the 1950s. They're cut and purified with straw fires that burn out the residue. Once cleaned, the artisans use hammer and chisel to work them by hand, as the lack of electricity during the day makes power tools impossible. The result is greenest of green arts and the chicest of the eco-chic...and a keepsake entirely unique.

Recent reviews:

November 2, 2013 -
The round one is very nicely made, and it is a lovely burnished metal. The photo is very accurate.

June 12, 2013 -
LOVeD it since the first time I saw it and now that already have the Circle, do LOvE it MOrE!!! It's a bit small and smells a bit like tire BUT it's SO BEAUTIfUL and one even gets to HeLP!!!!! THAnKS!!!!!

February 13, 2013 -
Love the beauty and quality of these trees. Also deeply appreciate that my purchase was "created green" and makes a difference. I already owned the square and round and recently got the long to complete the grouping. Many compliments.

February 4, 2013 -
I previously purchased the square version of this item and I love them both! When I learned how this item was produced I love it even more. Very nice detail and color. a very unique piece.

February 1, 2013 -
I bought the circle and I am very happy with it. It is truly a work of art!

Artisan: Croix des Bouquets

Outside of Port au Prince in the small village of Croix des Bouquets, an art medium born of the industrial revolution and the green movement has met with international acclaim. Artisan Rony Jacques cleans and reclaims iron oil drums, handcrafting them into delightfully whimsical wall hangings, ornaments, and garden statuary. Rony's work fine-tunes the accumulated techniques of generations of artisans, going back to the originator of the art form, George Liautuad. Liautuad's ironwork cemetery crosses and home decor accents became a sensation in the 1940s when they caught the eye of DeWitt Peters, a representative of President Truman's Point for Four economic aid program in Haiti following World War II.

Rony Jacques' success and subsequent acclaim have enabled him to train and employ twelve artisans in his workshop in Croix des Bouquet. He is working on developing his regional business into an international source for unique forged metal handicrafts. Worldwide demand for his work keeps his current operation running at full capacity, and the orders continue to pour in.